How to Find Recent Homeowner Purchases

Recent home-purchase information is valuable to buyers and sellers. The sale prices of each home affect the overall value of other properties in the area. If you are buying, knowing what similar homes sell for can help you when making an offer. When a sale occurs, the transfer is recorded in the county where the home is located. Property ownership is public record. You can search purchases yourself or utilize the help of a professional.

1

Ask a real estate agent for a list of recently sold properties. Specify the type of homes you are looking for and the area in which you are looking to narrow down the results. Pay the agent a small fee for this service.

2

Go to the county recorder's office, either in person or online. Certain California counties provide real estate deed information online, while others require you to submit search requests in person. In San Francisco, you can search online by document type and dates.

3

Use an online real estate database. Certain national websites, such as Zillow and Realtor.com, allow the public to search a list of recently sold homes and their prices. You can search by address, neighborhood, zip code, or city. Information is often detailed, providing property descriptions, photos, and mortgage-payment estimates